Resource Number: 17077
Title: Redbay (Persea borbonia): Drifting Toward Extinction
Description: At the edge of streams, springs, and swamps hides the redbay tree. Redbay (Persea borbonia), with its evergreen aromatic leathery leaves, dark blue fruit hanging on into winter, and reddish bark, is a jewel among trees. The Native Americans found a host of medicinal uses for this medium sized tree. Early European Americans found the fine grained, highly polished wood to be perfect trim for bay boats and sailing ships. Southern gumbos require redbay leaf flavoring to be authentic. Now exotic pests threaten this unique American tree. This publication is designed to assist people understand the great variability and confusion regarding redbay taxonomy, its lineage, where it grows, its identifying characteristics, and stress problems.
Last Updated: January 25, 2024
Contributors:
Domain(s)/Area(S):
- Arboriculture
- Trees
Locations: